A rise of 56.6% was recorded in December by the China Manufacturing PMI, or Purchasing Managers’ Index. This is a substantial increase from the November figure of 55.2% which has been officially confirmed by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing. Note than an understanding of that figure is needed.TopNews reports that a reading of over 50 indicates a definite expansion in the sector, and a reading of below 50, on the other hand, suggests an overall decline.
Researcher Zhang Liqun said, "The rising index suggests the Chinese economy has further consolidated its recovery."
However, he added export orders have declined, showing the country’s main trading partners are still struggling to get out of the financial downturn and it is, therefore, "too early to be optimistic about the recovery in the global market."